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Donald Kaelin, 80

Donald E. Kaelin, 80 of Grand Island, died Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at Wedgewood Care Center. Services were Friday, March 8, 2013, at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island, with Dan Naranjo officiating. Burial was at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.Mr. Kaelin was born at home in Anlsey June 12, 1932, the son of Louis and Elma (Williams) Kaelin.Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Dolores; children and their spouses, Deb and Larry Fleharty of Fairmont, Dixie and Jim Sidel of St. Paul, Diane and Gary Johnson of Rogers, Ark., Denise and Myron Powell of Greeley, Colo. and Doug and Jenny Kaelin of Phillips; sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Ralph Casteel of Sargent, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Kaelin of Ansley. Other survivors are 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by son, Donald E. Kaelin II; brothers, Max, Roland, Richard and Earl; grandson, Kirby Fleharty; granddaughter, Abigail John-son; infant twin great-grandchildren, Hailey Jo and Russell Sack, Jr.Donald graduated from Ansley High School, class of 1949. In 1953 he started his career selling insurance for various companies. Following his retirement he had a used car lot and also a farm near Mason City.Some of his enjoyments included hunting and going to the casinos. He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sporting events. He was a life member of the Elk’s in Scottsbluff and member of the Eagle’s in Holdrege.A memorial fund will be established in memory of Donald.Published in Custer County Chief March 14, 2013